Mai Genevieve KIooz-Parsons

Mai Genevieve KIooz-Parsons

Mai Genevieve KIooz-Parsons was born January 30, 1924 in Lafayette, Indiana, the daughter of Theodore and Florence (Gebhardt) Klooz.

Much of her childhood was spent living on Wildcat Creek near Barton's Beach, years which fostered a lifelong love of wildlife. It was on the Wildcat where she met John Robert Parsons. They were married May 6, 1942, just before John went off to train as a B-17 gunner in World War II.

Mai followed John to all his various training camps and was a devoted wife who sent him many care packages while after he was shot down and served in several Nazi prison camps.

Mai and John shared a passion for adventurous travel and visited all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands before they began backpacking into various countries around the world. One of her fondest memories was a daring 1983 raft trip with her son through Grand Canyon on the Colorado River when the flow peaked at 100,000 cubic feet per second.

After raising her son, Mai enrolled at Purdue and received her bachelor's degree in fine arts in 1978. A lifelong artist using many media, Mai helped everyone appreciate the "finer things in life." in 1978. Mai's tireless generosity touched the lives of many people far and wide. She was a loyal and steadfast friend to people of all ages and backgrounds.

After 56 years of marriage, John preceded Mai in death on August 2, 1998.

Mai was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral over 50 years where she served as Eucharistic Minister. Mai was a member of St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society. She was a member of the Antique Auto Club, the Lafayette Art Museum and a lifetime member of both the Purdue Alumni Association and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Ever since her childhood on the Wildcat Creek, Mai's favorite lifelong hobby was feeding and caring for birds and other wildlife. She also enjoyed swimming and golfing with friends. One special pleasure was having lunch with the lunch group.

She is survived by her son, John Randolph, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and her Sister, Theresa Klooz-Keating, Tucson, AZ. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of The Gifts of Mai's Life will be conducted on the Winter Solstice during visitation from 9:30 AM until the Mass in St. Mary's Cathedral at 10:30 AM on Thursday. Burial will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery with a lunch at St. Mary's Bishop's Hall afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends may donate to help create a permanent memorial to Mai's Memory at a suitable location in a city park or alongside the Wildcat Creek. Donations may be sent in care of Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 1104 Columbia St., Lafayette, IN. 47901. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com